There is a second variety under the name America, as Ricketts years ago introduced an America which has probably passed from cultivation.
Amethyst is one of Munson's hybrids as yet unknown to the grape-growers of New York. It is a most excellent table grape, coming after the Delaware which it much resembles in habit of growth and in fruit. It is a stronger grower than Delaware, has proved to be as hardy, is seemingly not attacked readily by black-rot, but like the Delaware is susceptible to mildew. In quality it ranks with Delago, Brilliant, Goethe, Lindley and Delaware, all parents one or two generations removed. According to Munson it makes a good white wine. It is at least an amateur's grape, to be sought because of high quality. It was originated by T. V. Munson of Denison, Texas, being first fruited in 1898. It is a cross of Delago and Brilliant and was introduced in 1902.
Vine moderately vigorous, hardy, medium to productive, susceptible to attacks of mildew. Canes intermediate in length, number and thickness, light and dark brown deepening in color at the nodes. Leaves medium to nearly large, light green; lower surface pale green, pubescent. Flowers nearly fertile to slightly sterile, open rather late; stamens upright. Fruit ripens after Delaware, keeps well. Clusters medium to large, intermediate in length and width, usually single-shouldered, compact. Berries above medium to small, roundish to oval, strongly narrowing toward the pedicel on account of compactness of cluster, rather attractive dark red, covered with lilac bloom, usually persistent. Skin thick, of average toughness. Flesh rather tough, solid, vinous, sweetish at skin to agreeably tart at center somewhat resembling Brilliant, good to very good in quality. Seeds intermediate in size and length, often with enlarged neck.
=1.= _Mag. Hort._, =31=:333. 1865. =2.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1865=:40. =3.= _N. Y. Agr. Soc. Rpt._, =1870=:276. =4.= _Mich. Pom. Soc. Rpt._, =1875=:341. =5.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:70. =6.= _Ill. Sta. Bul._, =28=:252. 1893. =7.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =17=:526, 548, 553. 1898. =8.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:42, 44, 46, 48, 54. 1899. =9.= _Ga. Sta. An. Rpt._, =13=:320. 1900.
ROGERS' NO. 39 (1, 2, 3, 4). _Rogers' No. 39_ (5).